Things I Love: Luggage

Any products mentioned are not a result of paid advertisement. From time to time companies may send samples for my review, however, my opinions are 100% my own and I will not recommend something I would not use or have not used myself.

As a traveling family we have an awful lot of things to take with us these days. There are clothes for us, for our little Lucy, and after learning our lesson with unexpected layovers – clothes for just about every season and climate. We need a place to put all of this stuff so let’s talk about luggage.

Lucy makes herself comfortable on a Rimowa

Convenience

First of all I have been a huge fan of MUJI since I first stepped foot into their shop on Carnaby Street in London years ago. Now every time I travel to a city with a MUJI store, I must go in and wander their amazing travel solution products, comfortable clothing and fun stationary. It was actually in a travel magazine that we read about the Boston Bag by MUJI, a foldable bag made of fabric used commonly for paragliders. (After browsing the MUJI website recently it looks like they may have re-invented the Boston Bag since purchasing the one I own. The material looks to be different and has an extra pocket, I am sure this bag is still just as fantastic as the one I currently own.)

Boston Bag by Muji, Photo courtesy of Pinterest

What I love about it: The bag can fold up and zip into a small little bundle easy to pack inside of your case, taking up only as much space as a pair or two of socks. When unfolded and filled with your goods it’s a great carry-on duffle bag with soft sides that make it easy to fit under the seat in front of you or with other baggage in an overhead bin. It also slips perfectly onto the handle of a rolling suitcase which makes traveling with multiple bags a breeze.

The Trip Sherpa with Muji Bag in full effect!

Style:

Whilst visiting my little sister in Barcelona during her summer abroad, I noticed she and her flat mates were all carrying Longchamp Le Pliage bags. I asked her what the fuss was about with the bags and she explained that they were great bags to have along for her city to beach daily routines. On top of their functionality from folding down into small compact bundles (much like the MUJI Boston Bag does) to transforming into a spacious tote sized bag, they were durable and stylish all at once.

Lucy found her favorite at Longchamp

In Spain the Euro was priced quite closely with the U.S. Dollar and therefore made buying these bags in Europe more affordable than buying them in the U.S. I was intrigued, but apparently Kyle was even more impressed with this solution of an accessory and decided to surprise me with a visit to to take one home as a souvenir! Once we arrived at the Longchamp store, we browsed the various rainbow wall of colors, and eventually I picked out a bag that doesn’t fold down into the same shape as my sister, but still provides a great deal of functionality for myself while traveling.

Graduating from a diaper bag with a wallet to a stylish bag that fits diapers…

I decided on the Le Pliage Neo a similar version of the bags we originally intended to purchase, but this one as I stated before does not fold into the compact size. It does however, have a cross-body strap which to me is extremely important since more often that not, my hands are full!

Le Pliage Neo, Photo courtesy of Longchamp

What I love about it: This bag is seriously spacious. I can carry most items I was carrying in a diaper bag plus all the items I would carry in my purse, essentially combining the two into one and doing so in style. On my most recent flight I had my 11″ macbook, ipad mini, a couple of magazines, make up bag, essentially a daiper bag and a change of clothes for my daughter. As you can imagine, I basically want one in every color.

Okay, I saved this next one for last…

Iconic

I know, I know… I’m not the only fan of Rimowa, but before I had one I didn’t understand what all the fuss was about.

Upon returning from a weekend trip to LA, Kyle brought home a pair of Aluminum Topas Travel Cases (one cabin size, one larger checked baggage size) The cases are made with aircraft aluminum and sit on four easy gliding wheels. Inside you will find a blue liner and mesh divider system that can fit more than you would even imagine and more. With time, every aluminium suitcase acquires a patina of its own. These are the scratches and dents that recall trips taken and make the RIMOWA suitcase unique.

Already a fan…

It’s not just the case itself that you are buying, but quality and piece of mind. Rimowa has a great 5 year guarantee in place for their luggage for any faults or damages due to manufacturing. If you travel frequently, you know how banged up your luggage can get. Rimowa also has a great repair service and centers that offer help. There are even some hotels where you can leave your baggage with the concierge and have a repair completed 24 hours later.

Rimowa Topas, Photo courtesy of Rimowa.com

What I love about it: These cases are pure luxury and ease at the glide of your fingers. It’s not just that they feel premium, they are spacious – no matter which size you choose – you’ll be amazed at what you can fit. For our weekend getaways I can pack Lucy, Kyle and Myself all in my Rimowa Topas Cabin Trolley and stroll on to our next destination.

About Author

Carly Stewart

Carly is a freelance travel writer that takes her daughter Lucy along on her journeys, stamping passports and making memories. She has contributed to Huffington Post, MapHappy, Travel Codex and PenandPassport.com. You can also find her over-sharing photos of Lucy on Instagram by following @LucyGoesTo and @AnotherBabyMaybe.